tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73615577920516436372017-07-29T03:24:19.395-06:00Adventures and AccidentsThe ramblings of an LDS ScouterToryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-49358836047636508222017-05-11T15:38:00.000-06:002017-05-11T15:38:16.312-06:00Reaction to LDS Church Announcement about ScoutingThis morning The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made this announcement:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"As part of the Church's ongoing effort to evaluate and improve its service to families and young people worldwide, the Church will no longer charter Varsity or Venturing units with the Boy Scouts of America and Scouts Canada effective January 1, 2018."</blockquote>If you haven't already, you can read everything the Church has said about it, <a href="http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/questions-answers-changes-young-men-program">here</a>.<br /><br />I always have and always will support the Church. The last time a serious question was raised about whether or not the Church would continue with Scouting, I made up my mind to follow the prophet and support whatever it was he decided. I will do the same this time.<br /><br />My first reaction to the story was genuine surprise. I didn't see this coming. It's going to take me a while to fully come to terms with this. I'm going to outline my initial reactions here.<br /><br />What follows are my own personal thoughts and feelings about the matter. In no way do I represent an official Church position.<br /><br />In many ways I am saddened by this announcement, because I believe in the Varsity and Venturing programs. And I'm in good company. The Deseret News published an <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865679712/LDS-Scouting-leader-sees-a-loss-opportunity-ongoing-relationship-and-irony.html">article </a>today describing Charles W. Dahlquist's reaction:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"I really believe in the Varsity and the Venturing programs - they are very good programs, knowing what I know about them and knowing about the struggle in some places getting things going," he said.</blockquote>In reading further on the Church's <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/ymactivities?lang=eng">Young Men Activities page</a>, I found a sheet with some principles and guidelines on what the new activities should look like. I just had to shake my head as I read through those guidelines because, when used correctly, I believe the Varsity and Venturing programs already accomplish all of those things.<br /><br />So, why the change? The Church statement says that "In most congregations in the United States and Canada, young men ages 14-18 are not being served well by the Varsity or Venturing programs, which have historically been difficult to implement within the Church."<br /><br />I can accept that. I have been a Venturing leader in an LDS crew. I've been a Bishop. I've seen what happens. Boys of that age are busy with all kinds of things and, in my area, few of them make Scouting a priority.<br /><br />However, from my experience, the biggest obstacle to effectively implementing these programs in the Church is leaders who refuse to try.<br /><br />My personal feeling is that the biggest reason for this change is that we have had too many leaders who were uncommitted to implementing these programs. While I think the information given about the new activity program is good, I think it is really not much different from what Varsity and Venturing leaders should have been doing all along.<br /><br />I had similar thoughts when the Church introduced Preach My Gospel for missionaries. I heard lots of people talking about this big "new" emphasis to teach by the Spirit. Well, I think that's what missionaries should have been doing under the old program anyway.<br /><br />When the Church introduced the Come, Follow Me curriculum for youth and Teaching in the Savior's Way for all Church teachers, I had similar thoughts. This isn't really much different from how we should have been doing it all along.<br /><br />I think it is the same for Scouting. I suspect this change is not so much about the Scouting programs as it is about trying to get adults to lead boys the right way. If they aren't going to use Varsity and Venturing the way they were intended, then of course the programs won't help the boys. Hopefully, the new guidelines will be more effective in getting leaders to do it right.<br /><br />One of my concerns with this announcement is that there will be members of the Church who look at this as an indication that Scouting isn't really as great as it has been made out to be. I fear that many in the Church will now look on Scouting more negatively. After all, if we're not using it anymore, it must be because it isn't good, right? Wrong!<br /><br />In early Church history, there are several examples of commandments given by the Lord that were later revoked, always because the individuals involved were not obedient. (See&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/56?lang=eng">D&amp;C 56:3-6</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/58?lang=eng">D&amp;C 58:30-33</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/75?lang=eng">D&amp;C 75:6-8</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9.3,10-11?lang=eng#p2">D&amp;C 9:3, 10-11</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/105?lang=eng">D&amp;C 105</a>)<br /><br />It is my feeling that we are seeing this same scenario with Scouting. We were commanded to implement the Varsity and Venturing programs (the Church even had a major role in creating them). We didn't keep that commandment very well, and so the command has been revoked. Not because the programs weren't good, but because we failed.Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-84676409408555142082016-08-30T17:26:00.002-06:002016-08-31T14:26:37.068-06:00Doing Hard ThingsIt has been a long time since I posted anything. So much has changed for me that I'm not even going to bother to give an update for those who may still be following this.<br /><br />I've been thinking today about something I have often heard about Scouting: "Scouting teaches our young men that they can do hard things."<br /><br />I think I've even said something like that myself. <br /><br />But I began wondering today if we aren't missing something. Something so vitally important that I can't believe I hadn't thought about it until today. <br /><br />Let me share a couple quotations with you. See if you can't figure out what is missing in the statement above.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." - Isaiah 41:10<br /><br />"My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep." - 2 Nephi 4:20<br /><br />"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philipians 4:13.<br /><br />"Since the Savior has suffered anything and everything that we could ever feel or experience, He can help the weak to become stronger." - James E. Faust<br /><br />"And so we see that because of His Atonement, the Savior has the power to succor--to help--every mortal pain and affliction. Sometimes His power heals an infirmity, but the scriptures and our experiences teach that sometimes He succors or helps by giving us the strength or patience to endure our infirmities." - Dallin H. Oaks<br /><br />"The difference between what I can do and what must be done is accomplished because of the grace of Christ." - H. Burke Petersen</blockquote>Now, some of you may be saying something like "But those are all about getting help with&nbsp;<em>spiritual</em> things. That doesn't apply to hiking."<br /><br />My response is, "Why not?" Don't we sing in our hymns, "I need thee <em>every hour.</em>" Don't we believe that Christ, through the power of his atonement, can help us do <em>anything</em> we need to do?<br /><br />Hopefully all of our young men will be leaving (sooner than they may&nbsp;realize) to go out into the world to teach about Christ and his atoning sacrifice. Shouldn't we help them understand it, by teaching them to rely on the atonement to do all those hard things they have to do in Scouting? <br /><br />When we hold our reflections after each activity, shouldn't we "talk of Christ... rejoice in Christ... preach of Christ... prophesy of Christ" (2 Nephi 25:26)?<br /><br />On one activity when I was 16 or 17 years old, I was nervous about participating in a part of the activity. Actually, "nervous" probably doesn't describe my feelings quite as well as "scared." Knowing a little something about me, and what would work for me, my young men's leader asked me to find a scripture that would convince me to do the activity. The scripture that came to mind was one I had recently learned in Seminary:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." - Joshua 1:9</blockquote>Knowing that my Savior would be with me, my fear left me and I participated in the activity. I had a great time, and I learned a lesson I have never forgotten.<br /><br />I'll end this post with one final scripture:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq">"And now, beloved, marvel not that I tell you these things; for why not speak of the atonement of Christ, and attain to a perfect knowledge of him, as to attain to the knowledge of a resurrection and the world to come?" - Jacob 4:12</blockquote></blockquote><br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-54546245363454065472014-05-08T17:33:00.001-06:002014-05-08T17:33:12.706-06:00CongratulationsLast night when I got home from meetings my wife gave me a gift. It was the last goal toward her Wood Badge ticket, all finished.<br /><br />Congratulations, Christine!Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-49660740929273778392014-01-10T17:37:00.000-07:002014-01-10T17:37:02.255-07:00Help for Webelos leadersMy wife is currently serving as the Webelos den leader in our ward. Most weeks we get to do den meetings together, which is a lot of fun. We were able to go to Wood Badge together last fall, too.<br /><br />As part of her ticket, she wanted to share some of the things that have worked well for her. She has been sharing things at round table, but also decided to start a blog to share with a wider audience. Her blog can be found at <a href="http://www.thewebelosden.blogspot.com/">www.thewebelosden.blogspot.com</a>.<br /><br />Check it out.Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-3164115253185579392013-10-24T16:41:00.001-06:002013-10-24T16:41:31.466-06:00What level of youth-led is appropriate?I had an interesting Scouting discussion last night. A very well-intentioned someone was trying to explain to someone else how much the adult leaders should be involved in the different programs of Scouting. They said that for Venturing, the program is 75% youth led, Varsity is 50% youth led and Boy Scouts is maybe 25% led by youth.<br /><br />My response to that was if that is the way we are doing it, then we're not doing Scouting. I tried to explain that even for our 11-13 year old boys, the program should be completely youth led. The Scoutmaster's job is to train them how to lead and then let them do it. He should be working a lot behind the scenes but if he is doing his job right most people wouldn't see his leadership. But they <i>would </i>see the leadership of the boys. The same applies to Varsity.<br /><br />For Venturing, I said that the role of the adult leaders is a little different. The youth should be leading everything, with the adult there almost more in the role of an experienced peer who can give wise advice rather than an adult on some higher plane. I say the adult should be there as a peer, not because he lowers himself to their level but because by that point, the youth who are leading are more on the level of the adult. They are capable of acting in an adult capacity and we should help them and let them do so.<br /><br />What do you think? Did I respond appropriately and accurately? Or am I up in the night? What would you have said?Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-39619648975736054702013-09-24T17:19:00.000-06:002013-09-24T17:19:04.968-06:00An experience, or a checklist?I just got my latest issue of Eagle's Call magazine (formerly Eagle Scout Magazine). One article is about the recipients of the latest National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. The winner rebuilt a playground at a cost of over $35,000 and over 5,000 hours of labor. One of the runners up spent two years collecting over $130,000 to build a veterans memorial. I can't even imagine what it would take to do either of those projects, but those Scouts did. Amazing!<br /><br />When I first read the article, one of my thoughts was that those projects put to shame all of those I've seen locally (including my own many years ago). Of course, that's why they are winning awards.<br /><br />As I thought about it today, I realized there is a big difference between those projects and the ones my Scouts have done recently, and I'm talking about more than size or cost, or time spent on them. It is obvious from the descriptions of these outstanding projects that they are personally and deeply meaningful to the Scout. Most of the projects I've seen locally are not like that. <br /><br />That's not to say that we don't have good, meaningful projects, and I'm certainly not trying to suggest that each Scout needs to raise tens of thousands of dollars and spend thousands of hours working on his project.&nbsp; What I am suggesting is that most of the time we could do much better than we have. Most of the Scouts I talk to about Eagle projects are simply looking for something to get done so they can get their award. Instead of being an opportunity to serve, or a chance to do something they really care about, it's little more than an item on a checklist.<br /><br />I've seen this attitude in relation to the Eagle Scout award itself. In the last five and a half years I've been involved in Scouting I have seen five Scouts earn the rank of Eagle. One more is just waiting on a board of review. Every one of those six Scouts was over 17 years old when they finally finished off their Eagle rank. Four of them waited long enough that their board of review was not held until after they turned 18. With perhaps only one exception, each of those Scouts treated their projects, and the rank itself as something they just had to finish before they could move on to the next, more important thing. It was simply an item on a checklist. <br /><br />And some parents (and some leaders) out there aren't helping the situation. <br /><br />I cringe every time I hear a Scout (or his parent) say that he is not allowed to get his driver's license until he earns his Eagle. In my opinion, this does nothing to help and actually diminishes the real value of the program.<br /><br />Scouting should be about the experience. It should be an opportunity to do something of value. It should be a chance to learn and grow. Advancement is an important part of the experience, but if we elevate it to such a prominent position that all the other important things become nothing more than obstacles to climb over then we are failing to accomplish what should be our real purpose.<br /><br /><br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-34707497304995039492013-09-23T08:43:00.001-06:002013-09-23T08:43:29.029-06:00Proud of my BobwhiteA few weeks ago I went to Wood Badge again. This was my third time being on staff and this time I had an easy job--Assistant Scoutmaster over Troop Guides.<br /><br />The best part of this year's course was that my wife got to go with me. We were a little concerned, starting out because we are expecting a baby soon. We were very blessed, however, in that she was healthy and able to go. In fact, in many ways she felt better at camp than she has at home. <br /><br />The hard part for me was trying to find the right balance. On the one hand, I knew she would need some specific attention and help with certain things. And I wanted to spend time with her. On the other hand, I wanted her to develop a real, lasting relationship with her patrol members, so I wanted to stay away when I needed to. I hope I hit the right balance. I know she had a good experience, and I now feel as strong an attachment to the Bobwhites as I do the Bears. <br /><br />She is currently working hard on her ticket and making great progress. She'll probably finish the first of her goals this week and one other one within the next month. The others, of course, will take longer. <br /><br />I am so grateful that I can do Scouting things with her. It has been really fun to help her with her Webelos den meetings and activities, and we have seen some great things happen with her boys. Two of them will be getting their Webelos badges at Pack meeting this week, and they are so close to earning their Arrow of Light award.<br /><br />I am so proud of you Christine! You are doing great work.Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-12874379183962251022013-09-12T17:13:00.000-06:002013-09-12T17:13:06.017-06:00To the young menThis is the "lecture" I would really like to give to our Teachers quorum this Sunday:<br /><br /><br />"I want to talk to you guys for a minute. Something happened this week that I can't stop thinking about. We had several young men show up here on Wednesday night, but most of you weren't here, and none of the leaders were either. Now, I know the plan was to go up to the lake to help P---- with his Eagle project. I wasn't able to go up so I don't know what actually happened, but those who did go went up earlier than your usual meeting time. <br /><br />"The problem is, not everyone knew what was happening and came here instead, expecting an activity. One of those who was here was N----. From what I could tell, he was rather upset that nobody let him know what was going on. The more I have thought about it, I believe that N---- will be making a very important decision in the very near future. On the one hand, he can keep coming to this thing we call "Scouts," hoping that somebody will be here and there is a plan to do something fun. On the other hand, he can give up on all of this because he thinks that those who he thought were his friends don't really care about him after all.<br /><br />"See, we have a tendency in the church to talk about our weeknight activities during quorum meeting on Sunday, and whoever is here then knows what is going on and can make it and everyone else is left in the dark. Sometimes, if we think about it, we talk to a few others who weren't there to let them know, but I'm afraid that doesn't happen very often. That has got to change.<br /><br />"Now, I know we need to re-organize your quorum presidency. There has been some confusion about who should be leading. I am sorry for that. That is my responsibility and I am working on it. I had hoped to have that taken care of by now, but things haven't worked as well or as quickly as I would have liked. We are close, however, and that might help solve some of the problems. Hopefully, having a quorum presidency in place and actively meeting each week will improve the situation.<br /><br />"In the mean-time, however, we need to figure out a way to make things work. When you are sitting in your quorum meetings and talking about your upcoming activities, do any of you think about who isn't here? Do any of you step up and volunteer to talk to N---- or C---- or any of the other guys who aren't here and let them know what the plan is? I would hope that if the topic comes up that each of you would be willing to raise your hand and say "Here am I. Send Me."<br /><br />"Each of you bears the Priesthood of God. Each of you has it within yourselves to be a leader. Robert Baden-Powell once said that "a Scout is active in DOING GOOD, not passive in BEING GOOD." The scriptures say essentially the same thing: "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; (D&amp;C 58:26-27)"<br /><br />"As Scouts, and especially as Priesthood holders, you need to be active in doing good. <br /><br />"Of course, if we had strong quorum leadership we could assign somebody to talk to N---- and C---- and make sure they know what's going on. But I don't think that's the best option.<br /><br />"I hope you realize that N---- is at a crossroads. I also think it's important to realize that you're close to losing him. Now, maybe you don't really care that much about him. Does it make a difference that he isn't a member of the church? Does that make him less important? Or just easier to forget?<br /><br />"Our goal here isn't just to make sure he knows what the plan is for Scouts each week. Our goal is to have a positive influence on his life. As bearers of the Priesthood, that is your duty. But you need to remember what the scriptures say: "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; (D&amp;C 121:41). Now what do you think "love unfeigned" means? Unfeigned means not faked. If you want to have an influence on anyone, you have to love them, and you have to be genuine. It can't be assigned and it can't be faked. It has to be real.<br /><br />"I think I've lectured enough. I don't mean to get after you and tell you you're a bunch of bums, because you're not. It's just that I can't stop thinking about how disappointed N---- looked on Wednesday night. I can't stop thinking about how frustrated he was that nobody had talked to him and let him know what was going on. I think he is reaching out for help. I think he desperately wants your friendship. Each of you has an opportunity right now to make an influence for good in that boy's life. He may never join the church, but I guarantee the interactions he has with you will change his life. I just hope you'll decide to change it in the right direction."Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-60691567593319595662013-09-05T16:33:00.002-06:002013-09-05T16:33:53.194-06:00Challenges of leadershipI just got back from Wood Badge. This was my third time on staff. I'll post more about this experience later, I'm sure. Part of the effect of Wood Badge is that it gets me thinking.<br /><br />I have now been involved in Scouting for about five and a half years. I know it's not as long as some, but I've had some pretty good experiences in that time. I've gone to just about every training available (and taught or staffed many of them). I've had lots of conversations with lots of other dedicated Scouters, and lots of not-so-dedicated other folks who I cannot properly call "Scouters." I've learned a lot. I've had a lot of ideas over the years about how to properly implement the Scouting programs. Some of them have been good. Some haven't. Some have worked in my own practice and some probably would work with someone better at the helm. In any case, I love Scouting. I believe in it as a tool we can use to really make a difference in the lives of our young men.&nbsp; <br /><br />I've also been struggling lately with how to get my current adult Scouting leaders to get the training they should have, and to start using the programs the way they were intended. It is so easy to judge them against my own thoughts and feelings and experiences, and to wish they were doing more. That's not to say they aren't doing anything--they each have their strengths. But it's so easy to look at the shortcomings. I keep thinking that if I got them to Wood Badge that they would become more converted and things would improve. But most of them aren't converted enough to go to round table, let alone Wood Badge. How do I get them to that point?<br /><br />I wish there was some way I could just "download" everything I have learned and experienced and felt about Scouting from my mind and heart and implant it directly into the minds and hearts of the adult Scouting leaders in my ward. But I can't.<br /><br />I could talk, and lecture, and beg, and plead, and try to persuade until the cows come home, but I'm not sure how much that will do. Maybe we would move somewhere, but it seems just as likely that everyone would just get sick of me "pestering" them.<br /><br />I can't just transfer everything I have directly to them. As much as I might like the idea, it doesn't work that way. Everyone needs to learn and experience it for themselves. Nobody is ever going to have exactly the same experience I have had. What I currently have took years to develop. I can't expect anyone else to develop the same way. Hopefully, they will make a decision to try.<br /><br />I can share with them my vision, but unless that starts a fire within them, it doesn't go anywhere. While outside influences can have an effect, ultimately it has to come from within. <br /><br /><br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-18154488859957779572013-08-20T09:00:00.001-06:002013-08-20T09:00:06.252-06:00Bishops and ScoutingI have now been the bishop of my ward for almost four months. It has been a rather eye-opening experience. During that time I have had the privilege of interviewing many of my ward members regarding a wide range of topics. I've done many temple recommend interviews, several priesthood advancement interviews, and baptismal interviews. I can't count how many times I have extended a calling to someone to serve in a certain position in the church, and I have occasionally been turned down. I've met with people who, through various circumstances, find themselves deciding if they should pay rent or buy food. I've seen cupboards and refrigerators so bare you'd think there was no way they could survive another day or two. I have been surprised at the number of people who have come to me for help in overcoming addictive behavior, and wonder how many more need help but haven't come forward. I have even been to the county jail to visit people incarcerated there. <br /><br />I also know very well that there are challenges still to come. So far I have not conducted any funerals, although a couple people had me worried for a while. Nor have I performed any weddings. I have also not yet had anyone come to me for marital advice or counseling.<br /><br />Through all this, I am regularly reminded that my priority should be the youth. And while I feel strongly that I need to do all I can to help them, I must confess that I haven't done a great job of it. My wife has reminded me on more than one occasion about the frustrations that I had as the Young Mens president, in regards to what I hoped the bishop would be doing.<br /><br />It has been a struggle to figure out how to schedule everything in and focus on what is most important. It seems like everything that comes up has to be done now. We need a ward mission plan. We have a financial audit coming up an need to watch these training videos. We need a new president for (fill-in-the-blank) auxiliary. So-and-so will be turning 12 this month and needs to be interviewed. This young man needs to get to the temple before he goes on his mission. That young woman needs an interview to finish her personal progress. The person who is currently serving as (fill-in-the-blank calling) will be moving soon and needs to be replaced. And on and on and on. <br /><br />I know that some of these things can and should be delegated to others, but many of them can not be. I realize I have counselors, clerks, and a secretary who can help out with some of these things, and I do rely on them, but there still seems to be so much for me to do.<br /><br />Scouting is still a priority for me, but I find that having been in a different position for a while that I don't have the focus I used to. I have forgotten much of what I struggled with and what I needed help with, but I still feel that it is vitally important. I help my wife with her Webelos den as much as I can. I will be on staff at Wood Badge again this fall, with my wife attending as a participant. I am trying to make sure we have all the leaders we need for each of our programs, but haven't gotten there yet. And then there are the committees. We are making progress, but I still have a long way to go.<br /><br />I'm not sure what my purpose is in this post. I guess what I'm trying to say is be patient with your bishop. There is so much to do, and so much to think about. Even knowing and feeling that the youth are a priority I still struggle with how to actually do it.<br /><br />Maybe your bishop is more capable than I am. Maybe he has figured out better how to get everything accomplished and still give the youth the focus they deserve. Maybe he is doing everything you think he needs. Then again, maybe he isn't. Keep providing gentle reminders about what you need. Help him fulfill his responsibilities by being the best that you can be. And please be patient. I'm sure he is trying.&nbsp; <br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-22098195615203480622013-08-15T16:22:00.003-06:002013-08-15T16:22:53.310-06:00Scouting as the Activity Arm of the Priesthood?<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>“I shudder when I hear someone say that Scouting is the activity arm of the priesthood. That lessens it’s role. It is really the Priesthood in action.”</i> - Elder David A. Wilson, LDS Philmont Chaplain</blockquote>I took this from <a href="http://blog.utahscouts.org/">The Boy Scout</a>, the blog of the Utah National Parks Council. See the full post <a href="http://blog.utahscouts.org/inspiring-stories-of-scouting/scouting-is-not-simply-the-activity-arm-of-the-lds-priesthood-it-is-the-priesthood-in-action/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=scouting-is-not-simply-the-activity-arm-of-the-lds-priesthood-it-is-the-priesthood-in-action">here</a>.Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-89238894392040399202013-08-12T14:29:00.000-06:002013-08-12T14:30:17.075-06:00A Scouting RelayIn High School I used to run on the track team. While my usual events weren't often involved in relays, I did participate in one or two in those years.<br /><br />In order for a relay to be successful, there are certain things that have to happen.<br /><br />First, you have to have a team. Each individual on the team runs a specified leg of the relay. All the relays I remember had teams of four members. If I remember correctly, the best person on the team usually ran the last leg. The next best person usually ran the first leg. That way the team gets a great start and an even better finish. But no relay can be really successful unless all team members do their best. <br /><br />Second, you have to have good hand-offs. Most of the problems in running a relay come during the hand-off. The starting team member begins carrying a baton. That baton needs to be passed from one team member to the next at a specified area on the track. If the hand-off is not completed within the marked-out area, the team is disqualified. An additional problem that frequently occurs during the hand-off comes when the baton is dropped. Whether from a mistake made by one or both team members, a lack of communication, or some other reason, if the baton is dropped, it could easily cost the team the race. <br /><br />Third, each team member must stay in their assigned lane on the track. If a team member veers outside of their assigned lane, the team is disqualified.<br /><br />If everything goes well in the relay, the team performs well, but if there are problems in any of these areas, even the best team can find themselves losing the race.<br /><br />In the LDS church, we have a sort of Scouting relay. The team members are Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturing. The baton that is passed between each team member is an individual boy. <br /><br />In the LDS church, youth are baptized into the church at age eight. At the same time, the boys join the Cub Scout pack chartered to the ward. At age eleven, those youth are handed-off to the Boy Scout troop. At age 14, they join the Varsity Scouts. At age 16, they join Venturing. <br /><br />Too often in the church, we don't run this relay effectively.<br /><br />Sometimes, we don't have good team members to carry the boys through the entire course. We might get a good start in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts only to give up once we hand them off to Varsity and Venturing. We may even have team members who don't want to run their assigned leg and would rather go back and re-do one that has already passed. How often have you seen or heard a Venturing leader panic that a boy hasn't yet earned his Eagle. They give up on a good program because they think the last one hasn't been "finished" yet. This is symptomatic of a deeper problem. They focus so much on one leg of the journey that the lose sight of the final goal.<br /><br />Sometimes our team members decide they don't want to be running a race at all, and the relay is changed to unorganized basketball.<br /><br />Other times we find ourselves running outside of the lines. "We'll just call this a priesthood activity, not a Scouting activity." This comes with its own set of problems. <br /><br />Our hand-offs are particularly bad. We really need to do better at making sure our Scouts are properly registered in the appropriate unit. How many times do we have Scouts participating in Varsity or Venturing for months before they are actually registered as such?<br /><br />We really need to do a better job of coordinating between the programs so that our hand-offs are effective. We usually do pretty well bridging a boy from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, but when he turns 14 he is just thrown in with a new group. He is given no explanation of what this new program is or where his place is in it. There generally isn't much to look forward to in the hand-off from one program to the next. Why not create a special ceremony to transfer a young man from Boy Scouts to Varsity or from Varsity to Venturing? Why not make the exchange a big deal?<br /><br />In the LDS church we actually have another leg of this race. It's when we send a boy on his mission. His mission experience will further his development so that when he comes home he is better prepared to be a father and a leader, both in the church and in the community. The "finish line" of this relay isn't really a distinct line but rather an ideal. We want them to become something, not just accomplish something. <br /><br />In the LDS church, we use Scouting to help our boys become men. From the day they are baptized to the day they leave on their mission, one Scouting program or another is there to help them along the way. How many boys never make it that far because someone in the relay dropped the baton, or decided their job wasn't that important?&nbsp; <br /><br />We need each of the programs. We can't ignore part of the relay and hope it works out anyway. We need to work together and coordinate more effectively. We want to win this race.<br /><br /><br />*&nbsp;&nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; *<br />There are probably lots of other parallels you can draw between running a relay race and our Scouting relay. These are the thoughts I had, when I heard this analogy from a member of my Stake Presidency, who heard it at Philmont this year.Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-86315920043489720172013-08-12T08:16:00.000-06:002013-08-12T08:16:11.072-06:00Kids v. ScoutsI just read a fantastic post on the Ask Andy blog. He describes so well some of the things I have thought about over the years. Make sure you check it out:<br /><a href="http://netcommissioner.com/askandy/2013/08/issue-361-august-12-2013/">http://netcommissioner.com/askandy/2013/08/issue-361-august-12-2013/</a><br /><br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-42416635440031920292013-07-09T18:16:00.003-06:002013-07-09T18:16:29.608-06:00An Alternative to the BSAI just saw a <a href="http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/09/19378560-faith-based-group-starting-alternative-to-boy-scouts-will-allow-gay-youth-adults?lite">news story</a> about a faith-based group that has formed an alternative organization to the BSA. To quote from the article:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">&nbsp;A faith-based group opposed to the Boy Scouts recent decision to allow gay youth to join has formed their own program for kids and teens in response -- but they will also let gay youth and adults participate, leaders said Tuesday.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">While the program, which doesn't yet have a name, will allow gays, it won't let them "flaunt" it, said John Stemberger, founder of <a href="http://onmyhonor.net/">OnMyHonor.net</a>, a coalition opposed to the BSA's vote in late May to change the controversial membership policy.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"We don't think sex and politics should be in a program for kids. Those are issues for parents," said Stemberger, of Orlando, Fla., who left the Boy Scouts along with his two sons over the decision in May.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"If a young man has a same-sex attraction he would not be turned away in the program, but he's not going to be allowed to kind of openly flaunt it and carry a rainbow flag," he added, apparently referring to the participation of some BSA members in LGBT pride parades in recent weeks.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"There is not going to be any kind of witch hunt in our organization for people and what their sexual orientation's are. We're going to focus on sexual purity not sexual orientation."</blockquote>The article continues, describing more about the organization and their goals. But the entire time I was reading the article, and while looking at OnMyHonor.net, I kept thinking there's already an organization that does exactly what these guys are saying they want. It's called the Boy Scouts of America.<br /><br />There are only two things I saw that are actually different. They are 1) the new organization is specifically Christian, although they will allow anyone from any faith to join and 2) they will actually allow gay adults be leaders where the BSA will not.<br /><br />Since apparently some people just didn't get it, let me again review as logically as I can, why the new BSA membership policy is not a bad thing and certainly isn't a reason to go start your own group.<br /><br />Here goes:<br />1) There is a difference between attraction and behavior. Attraction (i.e. orientation) in and of itself isn't immoral, but certain behaviors based on that attraction are. It doesn't matter what the orientation is, the behavior is the important part. This new group seems to recognize this in its own literature but doesn't recognize that the BSA has essentially made that distinction as well.<br /><br />2) This is made evident in two parts of the membership resolution. First, all youth are eligible to join regardless of their orientation (i.e. attraction). Second, the statement clarified that any sexual behavior of any kind by youth of Scouting age is contrary to the virtues of Scouting. Combine these two statements and you find that attraction is not a problem, but behavior is. <br /><br />3) The resolution states that youth cannot be excluded based on orientation alone. There is nothing in this statement that would allow anyone to "flaunt" their sexual orientation. That would be a specific behavior that would allow the BSA to take action against said youth. The BSA has also had a long-standing policy against getting involved in political events. These two issues are illustrated well in <a href="http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/01/18662824-boy-scouts-cant-wear-uniforms-at-gay-pride-parade-official-says#comments">this news story</a>.<br /><br />4) The BSA maintained its policy for adults (openly or avowed homosexuals are not allowed as leaders). The adult membership application states specifically that "the applicant must possess the moral... qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth." Combine these facts with the points above and you get an interesting result. Whether intentional or not, the BSA looks at openly avowed homosexuals engaging in homosexual behavior as not possessing the moral qualities necessary to lead our youth and therefore the new policy actually defines homosexual behavior as immoral. <br /><br />This is not to say that there won't be issues with this new policy. But most of those will probably come from people who don't really understand it. Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-55202328000204742392013-06-06T16:18:00.001-06:002013-06-06T16:18:26.211-06:00Reasons for ScoutingLast night I was reading through a <a href="http://ldsbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/TSM_Award_Centennial-web.pdf">brief history</a> of Scouting in the LDS church (It's our centennial this year!) and learned something new.<br /><br />I had already known that the church started a Scout group (known as MIA Scouts) before officially adopting the BSA. What I did not know were the reasons that the church recommended using the Scouting movement as a part of it's programs for young men. One of the reasons given by the committee studying the possibility of using Scouting was that LDS young men needed more outdoor activities. In 1911 a bunch of farm boys in Utah needed more outdoor activities? Wow. What does that mean for our video game addicts of today?<br /><br />As Scouting in the Church continued to grow, the question was often asked why the MIA Scouts were not affiliated with the national organization of the Boy Scouts of America. Another committee looked into the possibility. After studying it out, the committee recommended affiliation with the BSA for five reasons:<br /><ol><li>Broader opportunities as Scouts</li><li>Definiteness of purpose and standardization of merit</li><li>A general uplift and fellowship of the boys of the nation</li><li>The missionary work of our boys, associating with their fellows&nbsp;</li><li>A worthy spirit of fellowship and brotherhood with the National Organization</li></ol>I had never heard that reasoning before. They sound like good reasons to make the affiliation, but I was impressed with how applicable they are today. Those were good reasons 100 years ago, but they are just as good reasons to stick with it today. Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-60017152643269702702013-06-04T08:27:00.001-06:002013-06-04T08:27:45.344-06:00Don't leave yet.The other day I read <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/06/03/its-not-a-hate-thing-boy-scouts-face-monumental-loss-after-choice-to-allow-openly-gay-members/">this article</a> about an upcoming vote by the Southern Baptist Convention on whether or not to abandon Scouting after the recent change in membership policy. According to the article, it is a sure thing.<br /><br />I have already posted (<a href="http://torymathis.blogspot.com/2013/05/change-in-membership-policy.html">h<span id="goog_754084090"></span><span id="goog_754084091"></span>ere</a> and <a href="http://torymathis.blogspot.com/2013/05/membership-policy-update.html">here</a>) about my thoughts regarding the new membership policy. I won't go over the whole thing again but, in short, I believe the new policy actually defines homosexual <i>behavior </i>as immoral and contrary to the values of Scouting. (And groups <i>can </i>exclude members based on inappropriate or immoral behavior.) I don't see a problem moving forward with this policy.<br /><br />I do, however, understand why others want to leave. I applaud those who will stand by their values even if it means ending long-standing friendships and associations. But, I really think that those who have declared an intention to leave the BSA need to re-think that decision. <br /><br />I encourage everyone to re-read the <a href="http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/MembershipStandards/Resolution/results.aspx">BSA statement</a> on the membership policy change, the <a href="http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/MembershipStandards/Resolution/Resolution.aspx">resolution</a> that was voted on, and the <a href="http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/MembershipStandards/Resolution/FAQ.aspx">points of clarification</a> document associated with it. I believe that a careful reading of these documents will reveal that the BSA has not abandoned it's traditional values, nor does it advance an agenda in any way. <br /><br />I also understand the fear of what comes next. This issue will come back in relation to adult leaders. There are those who want another change in policy that would essentially define homosexual behavior as acceptable. That would be a problem for me, too. I would not be able to support such a decision.<br /><br />What that means, then, is that it is time for religious groups to <i>increase</i> their involvement in the BSA rather than decrease it. We need people and churches who are willing to stand up for what is right to become more involved in their districts and councils, and on the national level. We need to have more of an influence over decision making, not less. <br /><br />I do not believe the BSA has abandoned it's moral tradition with this recent change. But if churches and religious groups leave, we will be weakened. The next time it comes up, there will be fewer who will resist and the changes will be more likely to happen. <br /><br />Please, don't leave. We need you. Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-74870344787751314092013-05-24T09:38:00.000-06:002013-05-24T09:38:08.985-06:00Change in Membership PolicyAs I'm sure everyone has heard by now, the BSA has voted to change its membership policy. For those interested in reading the official BSA statement, click <a href="http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/MembershipStandards/Resolution/results.aspx">here</a>. Also useful is the BSA's "<a href="http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/MembershipStandards/Resolution/FAQ.aspx">Points of Clarification</a>" page regarding the membership resolution. Please note that this new policy goes into effect January 1, 2014.<br /><br />For LDS scouters, and anyone else interested, please read the church's response, <a href="http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/church-responds-to-boy-scouts-of-america-policy-vote">here</a>.<br /><br />I know this whole issue has disappointed a great many people. Some are disappointed that the change was made. (See <a href="http://johnscout.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/morally-straight-no-more/">this post</a> as an example.)<br /><br />I know of others who are disappointed that the LDS church will continue to sponsor Scouting. Some were hoping the church would drop the BSA. I know of at least one person who was hoping the BSA would change so that the church would drop Scouting. It doesn't look like that will happen. <br /><br />Still others are disappointed that the policy change didn't go as far as they had hoped.<br /><br />As for myself, I am okay with the decision. As stated in <a href="http://torymathis.blogspot.com/2013/05/membership-policy-update.html">a previous post</a>, I saw nothing in the resolution that contradicted church policy. In fact, it seemed to me that the resolution was similar in many respects to church policy.<br /><br />The most important issue here (which is being ignored by almost everyone) is that of behavior. Attraction isn't the problem, behavior is. This concept is reaffirmed in the church's response to the vote. I am pleased that the BSA resolution identified this. All youth would be welcome despite their sexual orientation (i.e. attraction), but any kind of sexual activity (i.e. behavior) by youth of Scouting age is "contrary to the virtues" of Scouting (i.e. immoral). I see no problems with this. <br /><br />For adults, the membership policy stays the same. <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"The adult applicant must possess the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. The applicant must also be the correct age, subscribe to the precepts of the Declaration of Religious Principle, and abide by the Scout Oath or Promise, and the Scout Law. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">While the BSA does not proactively inquire about the sexual orientation of employees, volunteers, or members, we do not grant membership to individuals who are open or avowed homosexuals or who engage in behavior that would become a distraction to the mission of the BSA"</blockquote>When you combine the distinction between attraction and behavior in the new policy, the prohibition on any sexual behavior by youth, and the maintenance of the adult policy excluding open or avowed homosexuals, it seems clear to me that what the new policy does is specifically define homosexual <i>behavior</i> as immoral. <br /><br />I know others will disagree. Some will say it was simply a compromise to try to appease both sides. Others will say it is "a step in the right direction" or the opposite view that "it is a foot in the door." In reality, how this is interpreted and applied will largely depend on the individual views of the chartered organizations. <br /><br />The only thing I'm worried about is that not everyone sees this resolution the way I do. That means the next time it comes up it will be about adults, which will translate into accepting the behavior. The debate is far from over. Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-56938188111794308142013-05-15T16:40:00.002-06:002013-05-15T16:40:54.994-06:00Council blogI recently got an email informing me of the creation of a blog for the Utah National Parks Council. It can be found at <a href="http://blog.utahscouts.org/">http://blog.utahscouts.org/</a><br /><br />Since it is new there isn't much there yet (nothing on the "Scouting How-To's" page), but be sure to check out the "Inspiring Stories" section, including posts about "Blackened Scrambled Pancakes" and "Spencer's Climb."Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-33799450868424691722013-05-09T17:31:00.001-06:002013-05-09T17:31:47.554-06:00Membership policy updateI haven't posted anything in a while regarding the BSA's proposed change to the membership policy. Part of that is because I haven't felt compelled to do so, like I have in the past. Before the BSA even announced the resolution to be voted on this month I had what I can only describe as a spiritual reassurance that everything was going to work out just fine. So I'm not really worried about it any more. But now that there is a specific resolution to be voted on I do want to make one final comment on the issue.<br /><br />My previous posts regarding the proposed change were in reaction to what was being speculated--that the change would allow chartered organizations to make their own decisions regarding membership. Since that isn't the resolution that came out, many of my comments and concerns aren't relevant to the specific situation now. <br /><br />The proposed resolution states:<em> </em>"No youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone."<br /><br />However, for adult members: "The Boy Scouts of America will maintain the current membership policy for all adult leaders of the Boy Scouts of America."<br /><br />In other words, no openly gay adults will be allowed as leaders, but boys who identify themselves as gay will be allowed to be members. <br /><br /><br />Also in the resolution is this statement: "any sexual conduct, whether homosexual or heterosexual, by youth of Scouting age is contrary to the virtues of Scouting."<br /><br />The way I read all this is: The BSA will welcome with open arms any boy who wants to participate in Scouting. All youth will be expected to live a moral life, including total abstinence from any sexual activity (regardless of who they may feel attracted to). Adults must also agree to live "morally straight" and prohibits those who participate in homosexual activity from leadership. In effect, the resolution means that homosexual <i>behavior</i> is immoral. <br /><br />At this point I need to say again that what appears on this blog are my own thoughts and opinions and are not official statements of the LDS church. I alone am responsible for what is put here.<br /><br />With that out of the way, I think this proposed policy change could work for the LDS church. The reason I think it could work is because it makes a distinction between <i>feelings </i>and <i>actions</i>. In the church, we teach that having feelings of same-sex attraction is not, in and of itself, sinful. Acting on those feelings, however, is. (See <a href="http://gaymormonguy.blogspot.com/2013/04/boy-scouts-distinctions-in-homosexuality.html">this post</a>, from someone who identifies himself as a gay Mormon.) This resolution seems to me to be consistent with LDS church policy. As stated in the church handbook of instructions:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div>"Homosexual behavior violates the commandments of God, is contrary to the purposes of human sexuality, and deprives people of the blessings that can be found in family life and in the saving ordinances of the gospel. Those who persist in such behavior or who influence others to do so are subject to Church discipline. Homosexual behavior can be forgiven through sincere repentance. </div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div>If members engage in homosexual behavior, Church leaders should help them have a clear understanding of faith in Jesus Christ, the process of repentance, and the purpose of life on earth. </div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div>While opposing homosexual behavior, the Church reaches out with understanding and respect to individuals who are attracted to those of the same gender. </div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div><div class="">If members feel same-gender attraction but do not engage in any homosexual behavior, leaders should support and encourage them in their resolve to live the law of chastity and to control unrighteous thoughts. These members may receive Church callings. If they are worthy and qualified in every other way, they may also hold temple recommends and receive temple ordinances." (<a href="https://www.lds.org/handbook/handbook-2-administering-the-church/selected-church-policies?lang=eng#214">Handbook 2: Administering the Church, 21.4.6</a>)</div></div></blockquote>&nbsp;So, I believe this policy could work for the LDS church. Again, that is my opinion, not official policy. <br /><br />There very likely will be some unintended consequences should this resolution be adopted. There could still be challenges arise because of this. I also believe that this issue will be raised over and over again in relation to adult leaders, so we're not through here. However, I'm not worried about it. Whatever happens, we'll be okay.&nbsp; Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-18100067097874348512013-05-01T08:51:00.006-06:002013-05-01T08:51:58.433-06:00Last minute EagleOn Sunday I conducted an Eagle court of honor for one of the boys in my ward. He is a great young man and his court of honor was really nice. I am really glad he finally got to work and earned his Eagle. The problem is, he'll never get to wear it.<br /><br />He turned 18 last fall. He had his project done on-time and his paperwork in at the last minute. I don't know exactly why, but his board of review wasn't held until February.<br /><br />He graduates from High School at the end of May. Five days later he reports to the Missionary Training Center to begin his LDS mission.<br /><br />Like I said, he is a great young man and I believe he's headed in the right direction in life. I just wish he hadn't waited until the last minute to earn his Eagle.<br /><br />He will never wear his patch on his uniform. He probably will never wear his uniform again. None of the younger boys will see that symbol worn on his chest and be inspired by it. Getting it done this late in the game means it was more of an item on a checklist than anything else.<br /><br />I wish all 13-15 year old Scouts could see it from this perspective.<br /><br /><br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-85355795896653755122013-04-23T12:07:00.000-06:002013-04-23T12:07:01.743-06:00Then and NowI recently came across a great website called The Art of Manliness. They published an interesting article comparing the 1911 BSA handbook with the modern one. Here's the thesis of the article:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #f8f3ea; color: #111111; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.984375px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Because the Scouts were designed to be a repository of traditionally manly values, tracing those changes offers an interesting prism through which to see how our views on manliness have shifted as well.</span> </blockquote>Find the entire article here:<br /><a href="http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/04/15/the-boy-scouts-of-america-then-and-now-a-comparison-of-the-1911-and-modern-handbooks-and-merit-badges/">http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/04/15/the-boy-scouts-of-america-then-and-now-a-comparison-of-the-1911-and-modern-handbooks-and-merit-badges/</a>Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-59768416101593633532013-04-23T08:37:00.001-06:002013-04-23T08:37:29.311-06:00ChangeI started this blog several years ago when I was serving as the Venturing Advisor in my ward. In the LDS church we don't choose where we serve and we don't volunteer--we are asked by a priesthood leader. We believe that we are called by inspiration to serve where we are needed. That also means we don't choose when we are finished. <br /><br />About nine months ago I was asked to serve as the 2nd counselor in the bishopric and stayed involved in Scouting as the chartered organization representative.<br /><br />On Sunday I got another change. Our ward boundaries were changed and I was called to serve as the bishop.<br /><br />I'm still in a bit of a shock, I guess. It sounds strange to hear people call me "Bishop." It is even stranger to introduce myself that way. It's going to take a while to get used to this one.<br /><br />That also means a change in my Scouting responsibilities. I intend to still be involved where I can, but it will be a very different role. I can't predict at the moment how involved I will be. I plan on registering as a committee member so I will be available for boards of review when needed. Since I will be closely involved with the Priests quorum I'll probably get to help out with Venturing again. I like that. <br /><br />It's a big change for me and my family. I am worried and nervous and stressed, but I also see a lot of good ahead. It will be difficult and demanding, but I can also see that it will be very rewarding. Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-91690357491487929222013-04-22T08:15:00.000-06:002013-04-23T08:37:21.989-06:00PrioritiesI received an email the other day from another Scouter that really has me thinking. Apparently several members of his family really do not like Scouting because their father spent so much time on it when they were younger. To quote a part of his email:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"I've seen that happen to... men... whose resulting losses on the home front haunted them to their graves. Men whose children have openly denounced Scouting and consequently the church, for drawing away their fathers from more important duties; including my own. Men who harbor unbridled devotion to Scouting as the deepest regret of their lives. Men who also served as Bishops and Stake Presidents who felt that even those demanding callings didn't do the harm that Scouting did."</blockquote>Has anyone else seen this happen? For those involved with Scouting outside the LDS church, does it happen in community or other church groups? Does this happen with other organizations, such as the Elks lodge or Rotary club? If it does, why?<br /><br />We are taught that everything in the church should serve to strengthen the family, our own as well as those we serve. If we are not strengthening our own families by our service, then shouldn't we change how we do things? I'm not suggesting we abandon Scouting or that we don't follow the program, but how do we find the balance?<br /><br />I think that's something that we, as church leaders, need to do better when we ask people to serve. We usually tell them all the meetings they need to go to and all the training they need to have, but do we tell them that their family is the most important? If we don't, we really should.Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-66679746984339410532013-04-17T15:37:00.000-06:002013-04-17T15:37:20.202-06:00Which is more important?A conversation yesterday with our ward's scoutmaster got me thinking about something. I'm not sure I have any real answers, I'm just mulling things over in my mind and decided it might help to write down my thoughts. The question I've been pondering is: which is more important, having a well-run Scouting program, or blessing the lives of the boys in the program?<br /><br />I realize this isn't really a fair question. After all, having a well-run Scouting program will bless the lives of the boys in that program and will, I think, always bless their lives more than a poorly run program will. I guess it comes down to where our focus is. Do we focus on the boys, or on the program?<br /><br />Again, that might not be entirely fair. Maybe that dichotomy doesn't really exist. We can focus on the program because we realize it will benefit the boys and we can focus on the boys without neglecting the program. So what's the big deal?<br /><br />I guess I wonder if too often we get focused so much on the details of the program, on trying to do things the way we think they should be done, that we sometimes lose sight of why we are doing it. I have talked with several dedicated Scouters in the LDS church that get really frustrated with the way the church does things. They get upset that we don't have enough boys in the ward to have multiple patrols in the troop. They get upset that the committee doesn't function the way it should and they have to do all the work themselves. They get upset that they don't have a large enough budget to do some really big things that would be really fun to do. They start to wonder why the church bothers to do scouting at all if certain constraints mean it can't be done exactly the way Green Bar Bill did it. I admit I have thought all those things myself.<br /><br />As a Venturing advisor, I used to get so focused on trying to do the program the way it was outlined in the book that I maybe didn't give the boys the attention I should have. I'm not saying I was wrong to try to do things the right way, but I wonder if sometimes my focus sometimes moved away from the boys because of concerns over the program. I wonder how often that happens with other leaders. <br /><br />I'm not trying to suggest that if we care about our youth that we can abandon the program. What should happen is that our focus on the boys drives our desire to build a good program. In reality, I think it does most of the time. I hope it does most of the time. But I also think that sometimes we can lose sight of the boys because we are overly concerned with details. I think it's something we should watch for in ourselves.<br /><br />Robert Baden-Powell said it this way:<br />"Let us, therefore, in training our Scouts, keep the higher aims in the forefront, not let ourselves get too absorbed in the steps. Don't let the technical outweigh the moral. Field efficiency, back woodsmanship, camping, hiking, Good Turns, jamboree comradeship are all means, not the end. The end is CHARACTER with a purpose."Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361557792051643637.post-40356760462235438942013-04-16T08:01:00.000-06:002013-04-16T08:01:35.837-06:00Thomas S. Monson on Scouting<div dir="ltr">From a speech given at the BSA national meetings in May 1992:</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">"Throughout our country, we have been screaming ever louder for more and more of the things we cannot take with us, and paying less and less attention to the real sources of the very happiness we seek. We have been measuring our fellowmen more by balance sheets and less by morals standards.... We have become so concerned over the growth of our earning capacity that we have neglected the growth of our character. Perhaps this is indicative of the days in which we are living--days of compromise and diluting of principles, days when sin is labeled as error, when morality is relative and when materialism emphasizes the value of expediency and the shirking of responsibility. Well might a confused boy cry out using the words of Phillip of old, 'How can I [find my way], except some man should guide me?'"</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">As quoted in "To The Rescue, the biography of Thomas S. Monson," by Heidi Swinton, p. 448.<br /></div>Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530938857442378681noreply@blogger.com0